“Dance is the hidden language of the soul”
― Martha Graham

illuminari bohemian

'bohemian' a person or persons interested in art, music, and literature... that is the beginning of a definition that is a good start to describing this Winnipeg based ensemble of dancers and drummers. Dancing from a foundation that embraces both tribal and classical forms of bellydance, these dancers bring stories to life through their music and movement.

If you have had the opportunity to see us perform at one of our many performances in and around Manitoba or in your travels out of town, in the past, you know that we always have something new and exciting in store for our audiences; if you have never seen us, you are in for something very special. Klingon warriors, neo-Bedouin travelers, dancers in the palace of the Raj or pirates off to sea seeking adventure -- are just a few of the many stories we have told since our formation nearly a decade ago.

Registration for classes starting in January 2015 is now open. Please message Ange at: illuminaridance@yahoo.ca for class time and details.

Are you an experienced dancer looking to add tribal to your repertoire -- are you looking to experience and learn more about theatrical elements of bellydance? Perhaps my performance group lessons are just what you had in mind. Feel free to contact me using the link above.

Check out our Facebook page and connect with members of the ensemble, get our latest news, join our contests, and get sneak peek of our most recent events and pictures.

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illuminari bohemian bellydance‎

What is our style?

At the heart of everything we do is tribal style bellydance; but there are so many different 'styles' that have evolved from the originating forms of the Middle East in particular, but also from around the globe that influence what we do. Evolution of traditional Middle Eastern dance gave us tribal -- which has itself continued to evolve into even more eclectic and varied forms.

In every country it is different, some styles are those that give us our roots such as traditional folkloric and Middle Eastern bellydance. Some dancers have developed and perform what some describe as "fantasy" bellydance, others trace their foundations to cabaret style and Westernized cabaret; and of course there are those that trace their roots back to Bal Anat and the foundations of tribal in all its forms and fusions.

Some students of dance wish to pursue what they feel is a more authentic and cultural background, not straying far from the style in which they first trained; while others wish to explore dance as a whole. Today we see endless combinations and possibilities all under the broad general term of bellydance. Oriental dance mixed with modern and Westernized dance forms, or with flamenco, Indian, and African, to name a few. As dancers and artists we believe we can only benefit from exploring bellydance from a contemporary approach. As a result -- we train in and perform across a wide variety of bellydance styles.

I am fascinated by the interaction in the dance between the East and the West; the amazing results of traditional and contemporary blended together to create unique and exciting performances. Everyone can chose what to bring to our community of dancers and musicians, and we can learn so much from each other's experiences. Our dialect of tribal bellydance is the vehicle that allows for this exploration and experience of an ancient form in modern and evolving context.